Keeping your network hardware and software up to date is essential to maintain smooth business operations and protect against security threats. Rather than a fixed schedule, updates should be driven by a combination of manufacturer support lifecycles, security patches, and your own business needs. Outdated equipment or software can lead to unexpected downtime, increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, and difficulties meeting compliance requirements like UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials.
Why regular updates matter for UK SMEs
Network devices such as routers, firewalls, and switches often have firmware that requires regular updates to fix security flaws or improve performance. Similarly, software running on these devices or your servers needs patching to close vulnerabilities. Failing to update can expose your business to risks like ransomware, data breaches, or loss of customer trust. For example, a small UK marketing firm with 50 staff experienced a ransomware attack because their firewall firmware was two years out of date and no longer supported by the vendor. This led to several days of downtime and costly recovery efforts.
Beyond security, updates can improve network speed and reliability, directly impacting staff productivity. They also help ensure compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials Plus or ISO 27001, which require documented patch management and secure configurations. Regular updates support audit readiness by demonstrating your commitment to IT security best practice.
A practical example
Consider a typical SME with around 100 employees using a mix of on-premises and cloud services. Their IT provider schedules quarterly reviews to assess hardware age, software versions, and security patches. When a critical vulnerability is announced affecting their firewall model, the provider prioritises an immediate firmware update and tests it in a controlled manner to avoid disruption. They also review the network's backup procedures and access controls to ensure no gaps remain. This proactive approach minimises downtime, reduces cyber risk, and helps the business demonstrate compliance during ICO or client audits.
Checklist: What to do about network updates
- Ask your IT provider: How often do you review and apply firmware and software updates? What is your process for urgent security patches?
- Check support status: Are your network devices still supported by the manufacturer? Unsupported hardware should be planned for replacement.
- Review update policies: Does your provider have documented patch management aligned with UK standards and Cyber Essentials?
- Verify backups: Are backups current and tested before applying updates? This protects against update failures causing data loss.
- Monitor access controls: Ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) and least privilege principles are enforced on network devices.
- Plan hardware refresh cycles: Typically, network hardware should be reviewed every 3–5 years, depending on usage and vendor support.
- Keep an inventory: Maintain a clear list of all network devices, software versions, and update history for audit readiness.
Next steps
Regularly updating your network hardware and software is a vital part of managing IT risks and maintaining business continuity. If you're unsure about your current update practices or need help planning a refresh cycle, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can assess your environment, recommend practical steps, and help you align with UK security standards without unnecessary complexity.